While Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion has dominated discussions around the league during Week 2, the Green Bay Packers could struggle without quarterback Jordan Love. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys’ early momentum looks poised to continue against the New Orleans Saints. Additionally, Joe Burrow will face Patrick Mahomes once more, and the Chicago Bears will meet the Houston Texans to wrap up Sunday’s games.
The Athletic’s Mike Sando, Jeff Howe, and Zak Keefer provide their insights on the weekend ahead.
Which storyline from Week 1 was underappreciated?
Sando: The Carolina Panthers’ performance was alarmingly poor. Expectations for improvement this season were reasonable, but after a 47-10 loss to New Orleans, coupled with the season-ending injury to star defensive lineman Derrick Brown, questions arise about their path forward.
Howe: Jalen Hurts’ response to the Philadelphia Eagles’ disastrous start caught my attention. They opened with two turnovers, including a bad interception and a fumbled snap by the center. However, Hurts led the Eagles to three touchdowns and a field goal on their next four possessions, gaining control against the Packers. While he rightfully faced scrutiny for his two interceptions, it’s clear they wouldn’t have secured the victory without his resilience.
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Keefer: Perhaps it’s because they have been under scrutiny for nearly five seasons, but I found the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening-night victory over the Baltimore Ravens remarkably impressive. Not only do the Chiefs boast one of the toughest defenses in the league, but they also have acquired Xavier Worthy, an offensive talent that should help mitigate some of the struggles they faced last season. The Ravens are one of the most consistent teams in football, yet the Chiefs have now triumphed over them in six of their last seven encounters, which is no small feat. It’s not unreasonable to predict that Kansas City could secure 14 or 15 wins this season and secure a No. 1 seed. If key players remain healthy, a third consecutive championship is within reach.
Even though it’s only Week 2, did you observe anything from the Cowboys that makes you think this year could have a different outcome? Were the Saints simply facing a weak Panthers team, or is there reason to believe in New Orleans?
Sando: It’s difficult to believe that this Cowboys season will yield a different outcome after witnessing the San Francisco 49ers overpower the New York Jets on both fronts. Dallas will need some regression from their NFC rivals to avoid falling short again. Regarding the Saints, their strong start indicates they may not be a complete disaster; it’s easy to forget they finished last season 9-8.
Howe: I was optimistic about the Cowboys making a significant leap last season, but another playoff disappointment dashed any goodwill. They remain one of the most talented teams in the league, suggesting a similar regular season is likely ahead. There’s probably little they can do before mid-January to shake off skepticism stemming from their last playoff showing. The Saints are 25-26 over the last three years, showing flashes of promise but also periods of mediocrity. This narrative will likely hinge more on the Panthers’ performance unless the Saints demonstrate otherwise in their next five matchups against high-caliber opponents.
Keefer: The issue with the Cowboys is that their recent playoff failures have overshadowed their consistent and productive regular seasons. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on the field, they possess one of the top offenses in the league, and the defense’s performance against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday illustrates their potential to disrupt any game.
While I don’t want to take anything away from the Saints, the bigger issue lies with Carolina—the Panthers are clearly the least talented team in the NFL, and the gap is substantial. I’m eager to see how New Orleans performs in a tougher matchup this Sunday against Dallas.
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The matchup between the Colts and Packers is also intriguing. How will Green Bay manage if Love (listed as questionable Friday) is sidelined for an extended period? Although Anthony Richardson displayed the unique talent that sets him apart in Week 1, what additional aspects do you need to observe from him to believe in his progression this season?
Sando: I find it hard to believe the Packers can maintain their performance with Malik Willis stepping in as the starting quarterback. There’s little evidence to indicate he can deliver consistent play to secure a win. In Richardson’s case, let’s wait and see if he can string together games without injury, and then we can delve into the nuances of his gameplay.
Howe: The Packers required a strong September to mitigate the difficulties of their upcoming schedule, so they’ll be in a tough spot if Love misses games against the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings. They’ll need Willis to play mistake-free football, a solid running game, big plays from their talented receivers, and turnovers on defense. Quite a lot has to align for them while Love recuperates. Richardson seems poised to advance; he just needs to remain healthy to make that happen.
Keefer: I agree with Mike—there’s nothing in Willis’s performance so far to indicate he could step in at Green Bay and secure a win against a solid Indianapolis team. He has only been with the Packers for around three weeks, so it’s not as if he’s mastered the playbook yet. As for Richardson, this season is about evolving beyond just highlights. His standout moments are impressive, but he missed several open passes on Sunday—including a straightforward touchdown opportunity for A.D. Mitchell—which was pivotal in the game’s outcome. However, keep in mind this was only his fifth start in the NFL. Progress takes time, and he has shown enough potential to suggest he will improve.
Which offseason acquisition for the Texans made a more significant impact on Sunday: Joe Mixon or Stefon Diggs? While Caleb Williams’ performance left much to be desired, what positives can be gleaned from his debut?
Sando: Mixon became the sixth player since the start of the 2020 season to carry the ball at least 30 times while averaging a minimum of 5.0 yards per rush in a game. That’s quite the accomplishment and arguably more impressive than Diggs, whose six receptions were not particularly noteworthy.
Howe: This would certainly spark an interesting debate! Mixon adds a dimension to the Texans that they lacked last season—they finished 22nd in rushing. Regardless of Diggs’ presence, C.J. Stroud was destined to excel, given their already strong receiving corps. However, if Diggs performs as expected and regains his game-changing ability, it might just propel the Texans into playoff contention. For now, though, I’d lean towards Mixon as the more impactful addition. Regarding Williams, I’m not overly concerned about his long-term prospects, but his performance on Sunday didn’t showcase many positives. Primarily, the Bears appear prepared to excel in defense and special teams, which could be crucial for their success this season.
Keefer: I covered Sunday’s Houston Texans-Col
During the game, Mixon appeared to be running as if he were five years younger, completely dominating the Colts in the second half. In practice the week prior, he urged his offensive linemen, “Let’s aim for 150 to kick things off.” Ultimately, he ended up with 159 yards, helping to secure the victory late in the fourth quarter. If he can maintain this level of performance consistently within Bobby Slowik’s offensive scheme, this will rank among the top offenses in football. The depth of the receiving room is impressive. Regarding Williams, the most promising takeaway was his demeanor; he experienced a rough debut but responded with the poise of a seasoned player, commending his defense and special teams while committing to improving. It’s crucial for a young quarterback to possess the humility to move past a poor game and refocus for the next week. He’ll have the chance to observe how one of the league’s elite, Stroud, operates this Sunday.
C.J. Stroud’s soft-spoken, relaxed demeanor hides an edge he has always played with — and now leads with.
Although he doesn’t show it often, when he does, his teammates can feel the intensity.
In this league, quarterbacks don’t succeed by being polite, writes @zkeefer. pic.twitter.com/niFjqLyJeI
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 12, 2024
We witnessed two post-Achilles injury returns in Week 1: Kirk Cousins of the Falcons and Aaron Rodgers of the Jets. What are your thoughts on both quarterbacks? Are they rusty and in need of more time, in good form, or is there reason for concern?
Sando: Both quarterbacks displayed solid throwing performances. My concerns revolve more around their offenses and the play calling. Rodgers proved his ability to throw accurately, but will this develop into a dynamic offense? Cousins performed adequately; however, he faced significant pressure and took some hard hits that affected his play. Additionally, Cousins operated from the shotgun or pistol formation far more than usual, with no under-center play-action attempts, an area where he typically excels. Is this style optimal for him?
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Howe: I thought Rodgers showed promise at times. However, the Jets were overpowered by the 49ers, as they weren’t prepared to face one of the league’s strongest teams. Still, it serves as a reasonable starting point for the quarterback. Cousins was more concerning; despite the Atlanta Falcons having many opportunities to seize control of the game, they failed to do so. Perhaps this can be attributed to T.J. Watt’s standout performance last week, so I’m keen to see how both Cousins and the Falcons perform moving forward.
Keefer: It’s too soon for alarm bells — especially for experienced quarterbacks like these two — but the offensive performances from both teams left much to be desired. Although Rodgers still delivers one of the most impressive throws in the league, he didn’t appear to navigate the pocket as effectively as he did during his tenure in Green Bay. Some of this might be due to the formidable 49ers defense, but aside from one solid…
During the first half, aside from the free-play touchdown, there was little success. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense made life extremely difficult for Cousins throughout much of the game—Watt was simply dominant at times. Is there a way to improve protection for him? While Cousins is expected to find his rhythm as the season goes on, Mike’s worries regarding the scheme hold merit. We’ll gain further insights on Monday night.
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(Photo of Jordan Love: Wagner Meier / Getty Images)
NFL Week 2 Preview: Key Matchups, Player Storylines, and Team Evaluations
Key Matchups to Watch
As the NFL season heats up, the excitement of Week 2 brings numerous matchups that fans cannot afford to miss. Below are some of the most anticipated games, complete with the stakes involved and what to look for:
1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens
This clash between two powerhouses promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are coming off strong performances in Week 1, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
- Chiefs Offense vs. Ravens Defense: Patrick Mahomes leads a dynamic offense that will test the Ravens’ revamped defense, featuring new additions aimed at stopping big plays.
- Player to Watch: Tyreek Hill. His speed could be a game-changer for the Chiefs.
2. Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The historic rivalry reignites as the Bears look to make a statement against the Packers. Both teams are searching for early-season momentum.
- Quarterback Battle: Aaron Rodgers faces Justin Fields in what could be a defining game for the young Bears QB.
- Player to Watch: A.J. Dillon. The running back could play a crucial role in controlling the clock for the Packers.
3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This game features two teams eager to establish themselves in the NFC playoff picture. With both sides showcasing impressive rosters, this matchup is a must-see.
- Defensive Matchup: The Eagles’ pass rush will look to pressure Matthew Stafford, who is key to the Rams’ success.
- Player to Watch: Jalen Hurts. His dual-threat capability can cause problems for the Rams’ defense.
Player Storylines to Follow
Week 2 is not just about team matchups; individual players also have compelling narratives that could influence the outcome of their games.
Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
In what could be one of his last seasons in Green Bay, all eyes are on Rodgers. His ability to lead the Packers against their biggest rivals will be pivotal.
Justin Fields – Chicago Bears
After a shaky rookie season, Fields aims to solidify his position as the franchise quarterback. A strong performance against the Packers could boost his confidence and the team’s spirit.
Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
With many questioning his long-term viability as a starting QB, Hurts needs to put on a show against a formidable Rams defense. His growth as a passer will be under scrutiny.
Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins
After joining the Dolphins, Hill aims to prove he can be the primary playmaker for his new team. His chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa will be a focal point against the Ravens.
Team Evaluations: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not
As we head into Week 2, evaluating team performance from Week 1 is crucial. Here’s how some teams stack up:
| Team | Week 1 Performance | Outlook for Week 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Win vs. Arizona Cardinals (44-21) | Strong offensive showing, expect continued dominance. |
| Green Bay Packers | Win vs. Minnesota Vikings (23-7) | Good defensive performance, but must improve offensive consistency. |
| Chicago Bears | Loss vs. San Francisco 49ers (10-19) | Need to bounce back and find offensive rhythm. |
| Los Angeles Rams | Win vs. Buffalo Bills (31-10) | Inspiring performance; should carry momentum into Week 2. |
| New England Patriots | Loss vs. Miami Dolphins (17-20) | Struggling to find identity; need to tighten up defensively. |
Benefits of Following Key Matchups
Understanding the key matchups and storylines helps fans engage deeper with the game. Here are some benefits:
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Knowing player narratives adds excitement to watching the games.
- Engagement in Fantasy Football: Players to watch can influence fantasy team strategies and decisions.
- Greater Appreciation of Strategy: Understanding team dynamics helps fans appreciate coaching decisions and on-field strategies.
Practical Tips for Fans
To enhance your NFL viewing experience during Week 2, consider the following practical tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow sports news and analysis leading up to the games for the latest injury reports and player updates.
- Join Fantasy Leagues: Engage with friends or coworkers by participating in fantasy football leagues. Track players from key matchups.
- Utilize Social Media: Follow NFL analysts and teams on platforms like Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates and commentary.
- Host Watch Parties: Gather friends to watch the games together. This adds to the excitement and creates a community atmosphere.
Conclusion
As we dive into Week 2 of the NFL season, there are numerous storylines and matchups that promise to deliver excitement. By keeping an eye on key players and evaluating team performances, fans can fully immerse themselves in the action. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, Week 2 is set to be an unforgettable chapter in the NFL season.
